Bookies aren't really shops but I imagine that they provide an opportunity for retired people to meet and be sociable and have some fun without having to spend a fortune. They are not inviting to most people but I do know that they provide a much appreciated "club" for people who might otherwise be in the pub or sitting at home on their own.

Bookies aren't really shops but I imagine that they provide an opportunity for retired people to meet and be sociable and have some fun without having to spend a fortune. They are not inviting to most people but I do know that they provide a much appreciated "club" for people who might otherwise be in the pub or sitting at home on their own.The Stinker Returns

The Stinker Returns wrote:
Bookies aren't really shops but I imagine that they provide an opportunity for retired people to meet and be sociable and have some fun without having to spend a fortune. They are not inviting to most people but I do know that they provide a much appreciated &quot;club" for people who might otherwise be in the pub or sitting at home on their own.

That is just about the most idealised view of a bookies I have ever heard! Bookies are limited to 4 FBOT (normally roulette) machines, and that is where the money is. That is why they open up in back streets and outlying areas. In many bookies, they are the major source of income.

They would argue that everybody has the personal choice, they are all adults and that is true. But.... read up on these terminals and learn about some of the people who have lost homes, marriages, businesses because of them.

Is it really sensible to dangle yet more temptation in the way of people? The ones who pump money into these machines are often those who can least afford it. There will be kids at home somewhere who don't eat tonight because the money has gone into these. It is a big step above bets on races because each game takes less than 30 seconds.

The image of them being a retired persons' social club may have had a bit of truth 20 years ago, but what you will see now is desperate people ruining their lives.

[quote][p][bold]The Stinker Returns[/bold] wrote:
Bookies aren't really shops but I imagine that they provide an opportunity for retired people to meet and be sociable and have some fun without having to spend a fortune. They are not inviting to most people but I do know that they provide a much appreciated "club" for people who might otherwise be in the pub or sitting at home on their own.[/p][/quote]That is just about the most idealised view of a bookies I have ever heard! Bookies are limited to 4 FBOT (normally roulette) machines, and that is where the money is. That is why they open up in back streets and outlying areas. In many bookies, they are the major source of income.
They would argue that everybody has the personal choice, they are all adults and that is true. But.... read up on these terminals and learn about some of the people who have lost homes, marriages, businesses because of them.
Is it really sensible to dangle yet more temptation in the way of people? The ones who pump money into these machines are often those who can least afford it. There will be kids at home somewhere who don't eat tonight because the money has gone into these. It is a big step above bets on races because each game takes less than 30 seconds.
The image of them being a retired persons' social club may have had a bit of truth 20 years ago, but what you will see now is desperate people ruining their lives.romantic

I agree with the above point, but they should be allowed to open up as what they're doing is not illegal.

You could argue opening a pub in these premises could mean those who are easily addicted spend all their money on drinks, and then cannot afford to provide food for their family.

Addiction can affect anyone, it's those that can't deal with it it becomes an issue for... Some would say weak and vulnerable...

Gambling, smoking, drinking, taking drugs - all are addictive, 3 of them are legal, but regulated in the right way there isn't an issue.

I agree with the above point, but they should be allowed to open up as what they're doing is not illegal.
You could argue opening a pub in these premises could mean those who are easily addicted spend all their money on drinks, and then cannot afford to provide food for their family.
Addiction can affect anyone, it's those that can't deal with it it becomes an issue for... Some would say weak and vulnerable...
Gambling, smoking, drinking, taking drugs - all are addictive, 3 of them are legal, but regulated in the right way there isn't an issue.Steve1210

I am a professional gambler and am heavily restricted by management as to how much I can wager in every betting shop in Colchester, however, my elderly father, who has partial dementia, was allowed to squander his life savings over a 9 month period on the FOBTs even though it was clearly evident that he was hopelessly addicted. PARASITES

I am a professional gambler and am heavily restricted by management as to how much I can wager in every betting shop in Colchester, however, my elderly father, who has partial dementia, was allowed to squander his life savings over a 9 month period on the FOBTs even though it was clearly evident that he was hopelessly addicted. PARASITESthe mighty wah

They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.

Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.

If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.

Seriously..? Just because people can't act responsibly...?
They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.
Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.
If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.Steve1210

Like the bit about the Rev Mark Wallace, town centre vicar, who said: “If they take money out of our economy and contribute relatively little in return, it seems the town will be the poorer – in every sense of the word.” A bit like most religious groups then!

Bookies are not the cause of gambling addiction and pubs are not the cause of alcoholism. We could say religion is the cause of many a war but in reality they are all just human weaknesses.

Like the bit about the Rev Mark Wallace, town centre vicar, who said: “If they take money out of our economy and contribute relatively little in return, it seems the town will be the poorer – in every sense of the word.” A bit like most religious groups then!
Bookies are not the cause of gambling addiction and pubs are not the cause of alcoholism. We could say religion is the cause of many a war but in reality they are all just human weaknesses.Say It As It Is OK?

Steve1210 wrote:
Seriously..? Just because people can't act responsibly...?

They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.

Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.

If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.

Do you really think potential investors are going to be drawn to a high street that's full of bookies? Apparently the only investors are other bookmakers. I know we have to re-think the whole concept of high streets but I don't think 5 betting shops in one street is really what the town needs, especially in the street most visible to most visitors to the town.

[quote][p][bold]Steve1210[/bold] wrote:
Seriously..? Just because people can't act responsibly...?
They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.
Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.
If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.[/p][/quote]Do you really think potential investors are going to be drawn to a high street that's full of bookies? Apparently the only investors are other bookmakers. I know we have to re-think the whole concept of high streets but I don't think 5 betting shops in one street is really what the town needs, especially in the street most visible to most visitors to the town.Douglas Park

Steve1210 wrote:
Seriously..? Just because people can't act responsibly...?

They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.

Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.

If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.

Do you really think potential investors are going to be drawn to a high street that's full of bookies? Apparently the only investors are other bookmakers. I know we have to re-think the whole concept of high streets but I don't think 5 betting shops in one street is really what the town needs, especially in the street most visible to most visitors to the town.

Realistically I don't care if its a bookies, another Tesco Express, a grocers, or a shoe shop.... If other businesses want to use these premises go ahead, however it seems no one else wants to take them!

I think inhabited premises are better than vacant shops, THAT is my point.

[quote][p][bold]Douglas Park[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Steve1210[/bold] wrote:
Seriously..? Just because people can't act responsibly...?
They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.
Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.
If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.[/p][/quote]Do you really think potential investors are going to be drawn to a high street that's full of bookies? Apparently the only investors are other bookmakers. I know we have to re-think the whole concept of high streets but I don't think 5 betting shops in one street is really what the town needs, especially in the street most visible to most visitors to the town.[/p][/quote]Realistically I don't care if its a bookies, another Tesco Express, a grocers, or a shoe shop.... If other businesses want to use these premises go ahead, however it seems no one else wants to take them!
I think inhabited premises are better than vacant shops, THAT is my point.Steve1210

Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .

Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .HIF1907olympia

Steve1210 wrote:
Seriously..? Just because people can't act responsibly...?

They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.

Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.

If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.

Do you really think potential investors are going to be drawn to a high street that's full of bookies? Apparently the only investors are other bookmakers. I know we have to re-think the whole concept of high streets but I don't think 5 betting shops in one street is really what the town needs, especially in the street most visible to most visitors to the town.

So on that basis the High Street shouldn't have numerous Estate Agents, Coffee Bars, Clubs/Pubs, Fast Food outlets, Banks or any other similar type of business for that matter. Bookies, like all the other businesses, are legal and should not be restricted just on the basis of what type of business they operate. Restrict one type then restrict all!

[quote][p][bold]Douglas Park[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Steve1210[/bold] wrote:
Seriously..? Just because people can't act responsibly...?
They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.
Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.
If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.[/p][/quote]Do you really think potential investors are going to be drawn to a high street that's full of bookies? Apparently the only investors are other bookmakers. I know we have to re-think the whole concept of high streets but I don't think 5 betting shops in one street is really what the town needs, especially in the street most visible to most visitors to the town.[/p][/quote]So on that basis the High Street shouldn't have numerous Estate Agents, Coffee Bars, Clubs/Pubs, Fast Food outlets, Banks or any other similar type of business for that matter. Bookies, like all the other businesses, are legal and should not be restricted just on the basis of what type of business they operate. Restrict one type then restrict all!Say It As It Is OK?

roger bacon wrote:
make the the roulette machines illegal in betting shops then 90% of them will be gone in 6 months. Problem solved.Simple

I think that stretches beyond the power of CBC

[quote][p][bold]roger bacon[/bold] wrote:
make the the roulette machines illegal in betting shops then 90% of them will be gone in 6 months. Problem solved.Simple[/p][/quote]I think that stretches beyond the power of CBCwearebeingwatched

On another thread the movers and shakers of our grand old ville are trying to encourage the mass tourism of the orient now they are well known for their betting habits so Ron you might be aiming your gun at your foot.

On another thread the movers and shakers of our grand old ville are trying to encourage the mass tourism of the orient now they are well known for their betting habits so Ron you might be aiming your gun at your foot.stevedawson

More pound shops and charity shops,. please. The Chinese community is already adequately catered for by the existing bookies.
If rents and business rates were reduced, we could have genuinely useful shops, like butchers and fishmongers and greengrocers and ironmongers. But, under capitalism, there is precious little space for socially useful shops.

More pound shops and charity shops,. please. The Chinese community is already adequately catered for by the existing bookies.
If rents and business rates were reduced, we could have genuinely useful shops, like butchers and fishmongers and greengrocers and ironmongers. But, under capitalism, there is precious little space for socially useful shops.Boris

HIF1907olympia wrote:
Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .

Oh yes Cancer Research, Oxfam and Poundland are all well know for exploitng the vunerable aren't they.

[quote][p][bold]HIF1907olympia[/bold] wrote:
Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .[/p][/quote]Oh yes Cancer Research, Oxfam and Poundland are all well know for exploitng the vunerable aren't they.UndergroundOverground

The end of the traditional High Street is nigh. People need to accept it and stop resisting change which will inevitably happen.

Town centres will soon become bookies, clubs, pubs, bakeries and restaurants. Accept it and move on.

The end of the traditional High Street is nigh. People need to accept it and stop resisting change which will inevitably happen.
Town centres will soon become bookies, clubs, pubs, bakeries and restaurants. Accept it and move on.The King of Colchester

I find this a bit of an awkward one to call; on the one hand I despise bookmakers with quick play machine games etc, and think they ruin lives, but on the other hand so do plenty of other things on the high street; according to government stats there's around 350,000 problem gamblers in the UK, while there were around 180,000 people treated for alcoholism in 2012 alone, with a futher 1.2million hospital admissions by alcohol related problems. That's not to make gambling addiction sound any less serious, it absolutely ruins lives, not to mention that the ever increasing number of bookmakers makes the high street look horrid, but really when it's affecting less people than the supermarkets/pubs/ba
rs/clubs are, and people do go into bookmakers to make one off bets all the time, it's not like they're just full of gambling addicts - is it really right to block a new one from opening up?

I find this a bit of an awkward one to call; on the one hand I despise bookmakers with quick play machine games etc, and think they ruin lives, but on the other hand so do plenty of other things on the high street; according to government stats there's around 350,000 problem gamblers in the UK, while there were around 180,000 people treated for alcoholism in 2012 alone, with a futher 1.2million hospital admissions by alcohol related problems. That's not to make gambling addiction sound any less serious, it absolutely ruins lives, not to mention that the ever increasing number of bookmakers makes the high street look horrid, but really when it's affecting less people than the supermarkets/pubs/ba
rs/clubs are, and people do go into bookmakers to make one off bets all the time, it's not like they're just full of gambling addicts - is it really right to block a new one from opening up?wormshero

For the record, I'd much rather see actual shops opening up - obviously I have no interest in going into a bookmakers, I find them a bit grim, although I will once a year bet on the grand national and do occasionally bet on the football, I'd rather do that online. Boris may well have a point about rents, maybe if they were a bit more reasonable we'd see a lot more businesses that actually bring something we're missing to the town.

For the record, I'd much rather see actual shops opening up - obviously I have no interest in going into a bookmakers, I find them a bit grim, although I will once a year bet on the grand national and do occasionally bet on the football, I'd rather do that online. Boris may well have a point about rents, maybe if they were a bit more reasonable we'd see a lot more businesses that actually bring something we're missing to the town.wormshero

Steve1210 wrote:
Seriously..? Just because people can't act responsibly...?

They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.

Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.

If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.

It's not a question of acting responsibly. It's the issue of people becoming addicted to these things. Addiction is a mental illness. These people have temptation put in their way and the last thing they need is more bookies.

[quote][p][bold]Steve1210[/bold] wrote:
Seriously..? Just because people can't act responsibly...?
They're regulated businesses, and on the whole law abiding. If they do not comply, they get fined.
Surely empty shops on a high street is a BAD sign to potential investors in the area. We should be pleased that people want to set up on these premises - the way the town centre is going any business is good business.
If you don't like the shop, don't go in it... End of.[/p][/quote]It's not a question of acting responsibly. It's the issue of people becoming addicted to these things. Addiction is a mental illness. These people have temptation put in their way and the last thing they need is more bookies.Misty4

HIF1907olympia wrote:
Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .

Oh yes Cancer Research, Oxfam and Poundland are all well know for exploitng the vunerable aren't they.

A "Fool" And Ones Money Are Soon Parted:

[quote][p][bold]UndergroundOvergroun
d[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]HIF1907olympia[/bold] wrote:
Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .[/p][/quote]Oh yes Cancer Research, Oxfam and Poundland are all well know for exploitng the vunerable aren't they.[/p][/quote]A "Fool" And Ones Money Are Soon Parted:A Very Private Gentleman

The aspect that most posters miss, is that a large number of betting shops in one area is a sign of that area's decline in every sense.

These desperate dumps may lure the hopeless and nearly-destitute to the warmth, light and relative comfort of their salons, but they equally have the usual number of dead-beats dragging on their fag-ends outside.

What an image for the once-magnificent High Street of Colchester!

The aspect that most posters miss, is that a large number of betting shops in one area is a sign of that area's decline in every sense.
These desperate dumps may lure the hopeless and nearly-destitute to the warmth, light and relative comfort of their salons, but they equally have the usual number of dead-beats dragging on their fag-ends outside.
What an image for the once-magnificent High Street of Colchester!rhetoric

rhetoric wrote:
The aspect that most posters miss, is that a large number of betting shops in one area is a sign of that area's decline in every sense.

These desperate dumps may lure the hopeless and nearly-destitute to the warmth, light and relative comfort of their salons, but they equally have the usual number of dead-beats dragging on their fag-ends outside.

What an image for the once-magnificent High Street of Colchester!

Rubbish!

Prettygate has had a bookies for years. It's not in decline. Same for Tiptree. You're just generalising.

[quote][p][bold]rhetoric[/bold] wrote:
The aspect that most posters miss, is that a large number of betting shops in one area is a sign of that area's decline in every sense.
These desperate dumps may lure the hopeless and nearly-destitute to the warmth, light and relative comfort of their salons, but they equally have the usual number of dead-beats dragging on their fag-ends outside.
What an image for the once-magnificent High Street of Colchester![/p][/quote]Rubbish!
Prettygate has had a bookies for years. It's not in decline. Same for Tiptree. You're just generalising.The King of Colchester

HIF1907olympia wrote:
Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .

Oh yes Cancer Research, Oxfam and Poundland are all well know for exploitng the vunerable aren't they.

Yes
they do !

[quote][p][bold]UndergroundOvergroun
d[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]HIF1907olympia[/bold] wrote:
Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .[/p][/quote]Oh yes Cancer Research, Oxfam and Poundland are all well know for exploitng the vunerable aren't they.[/p][/quote]Yes
they do !HIF1907olympia

HIF1907olympia wrote:
Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .

Oh yes Cancer Research, Oxfam and Poundland are all well know for exploitng the vunerable aren't they.

Yes
they do !

HIF, you need to do some serious self-examination. Most normal people are very pleased that we have a variety of charity shops, so we can recycle our unwanted stuff, and buy some pre-owned bargains, while benefiting a good cause. And we need the pound shops and 99p shops. Not everyone is as rich as you. We have got plenty of boutiques, catering for all sorts of tastes. Why don't you tell us what else you want to see in town, as well as more betting shops?

[quote][p][bold]HIF1907olympia[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]UndergroundOvergroun
d[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]HIF1907olympia[/bold] wrote:
Nobody moans about the vast amount of damm charity shops, mobile phone shops and cheap poundland store's !! Way too many of those but clearly that is ok . I'll be happy for Paddy Power to come to town .[/p][/quote]Oh yes Cancer Research, Oxfam and Poundland are all well know for exploitng the vunerable aren't they.[/p][/quote]Yes
they do ![/p][/quote]HIF, you need to do some serious self-examination. Most normal people are very pleased that we have a variety of charity shops, so we can recycle our unwanted stuff, and buy some pre-owned bargains, while benefiting a good cause. And we need the pound shops and 99p shops. Not everyone is as rich as you. We have got plenty of boutiques, catering for all sorts of tastes. Why don't you tell us what else you want to see in town, as well as more betting shops?Boris

WitchofColchester wrote:
I have no issue with this. Gambling brings in lots of tax revenues which can be used to fund public services.

The government already takes from us nearly 10 billion in tax per year, which is increasing every year, to use for public services, and they still have to borrow more? So your quote has no logic.

[quote][p][bold]WitchofColchester[/bold] wrote:
I have no issue with this. Gambling brings in lots of tax revenues which can be used to fund public services.[/p][/quote]The government already takes from us nearly 10 billion in tax per year, which is increasing every year, to use for public services, and they still have to borrow more? So your quote has no logic.Assimilation

Boris wrote:
More pound shops and charity shops,. please. The Chinese community is already adequately catered for by the existing bookies. If rents and business rates were reduced, we could have genuinely useful shops, like butchers and fishmongers and greengrocers and ironmongers. But, under capitalism, there is precious little space for socially useful shops.

Yes more charity shops so the herion addicted burglars, town centre dossers and shop lifters can do their community service / unpaid work in them rather than out in all weather conditions picking up dog mess, clearing drains and other unpleasant work that they should be doing...

[quote][p][bold]Boris[/bold] wrote:
More pound shops and charity shops,. please. The Chinese community is already adequately catered for by the existing bookies. If rents and business rates were reduced, we could have genuinely useful shops, like butchers and fishmongers and greengrocers and ironmongers. But, under capitalism, there is precious little space for socially useful shops.[/p][/quote]Yes more charity shops so the herion addicted burglars, town centre dossers and shop lifters can do their community service / unpaid work in them rather than out in all weather conditions picking up dog mess, clearing drains and other unpleasant work that they should be doing...friday_woods